THE ARTS CENTER What’s Inside: From the Director’s Desk
THE ARTS CENTER NEWSLETTER Issue 138: March – April, 2018 Courtesy of:
Upcoming Classes Thomas Jefferson Wine Event New Exhibits Upcoming Events “Back Porch” Concert Classic Movie Nights Poetry Lunch Experience
From the director’s desk:
Lawrence Kopp Executive Director
Lifelong reading, learning, and growth are truly among the unalloyed pleasures of my life. While I was fortunate to attend one of the finest music schools in the country that was a part of a major university, what I learned in college pales in comparison to all that I’ve read, studied, and assimilated since then. What is best about teaching classes at The Arts Center is not only the hours of in-depth study I have to do to prepare for each class, but the fascinating new books, insights, and areas of study that it opens to me. For example, the recently completed classes on Puccini’s opera La Bohème led to an in-depth examination of the opera’s musical score; Henry Murger’s charming novel, and play, upon which the opera is based; an absorbing memoir of 19th Century Parisian Bohemian life by Irish author George Moore; and finally, a fascinating, completely forgotten, semi-autobiographical novel by Jules Vallès, one of the few first-hand accounts inside the 1871 Paris Commune. And that list doesn’t include a number of books still sitting on my nightstand waiting to be finished. Learning is a never-ending journey of discovery; it sends you down byways you never thought you would explore… and oftentimes never knew existed. The Arts Center is first, and foremost, a place of learning—our classes are designed to introduce you to new activities, new ways of thinking and looking at the world, new masterpieces of art. If our classes open unfamiliar vistas of understanding—or bring a new activity into your life—then we have been successful. I invite you to join me, and your fellow Arts Center patrons, on a lifelong quest of learning and understanding, of personal growth that enriches every facet of your life and opens your mind and heart to the beauties of art and a better understanding of the world in which we live. I hope to see you at The Arts Center soon!
behind the scenes 2018 Arts Center Gala A huge, and groovy, success! Getting down… and getting funky… for The Arts Center, close to 180 Gala goers celebrated the 1970’s while dancing the night away on February 17th at the Harold Newman Arena on the University of Jamestown Campus. Not only was the evening full of great food, fun and good times, it was an unqualified success financially, raising over $53,000 for The Arts Center, the highest total ever! The evening featured everything 70’s, starting with a Green Goddess salad with dinner to an ending with the tribute band “Heart & Soul” playing all of the hits from our favorite decade. With “far out” auctions and “mind-blowing” music and dancing—not to mention a “killer” total of $53,000 raised—this Gala was truly “outta sight!” A special thank you to the Gala Committee whose efforts made it all possible, along with all of the evening’s sponsors and everyone who joined us on the 17th. Can you dig it? Right on, Man!
Photo courtesy of Happy Mermaid Images.
Get to Know Our Artist in Residence: Laura Ruprecht Background: In 2009, I graduated from the College of Saint Benedict earning a BFA. I am mostly a mosaic artist and love working with stained glass. Animals are my favorite subjects, I use them as an autobiographical illustration of life experiences. For the past six years I have worked at The Paramount Center for the Arts in St. Cloud as their Studio and Exhibitions Manager. As part of this position, I worked with a team of artists to create four different public art pieces. Keeping very busy, I have also been a teaching artist for the past four years in a variety of different mediums to people of all ages and abilities. My experience in teaching art at elementary schools, high schools, and nursing homes made the Jamestown residency an ideal fit for me. Philosophy: Being a teaching artist, I have learned that art can be an intimidating experience for some people. My approach to teaching is to create a comfortable learning environment by letting each student know that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to creating art. Whatever a student chooses to create should be a reflection of themselves and what they would like to express. I emphasize that their work should above all else be personal, and that the process of actually creating the work can teach them something that they did not know before. I believe that the arts are important in revealing the diversity within our communities. Residency: I have never felt like a celebrity until I started teaching art at the Jamestown schools. As I walk in the door of a classroom, I have a herd of students giving me hugs and telling me how excited they are about getting to do art. Kids stop me in the hallway while I’m pulling my Art Cart, and ask if I am coming to their classroom, giving me a high five, or just saying “Hi Miss L, I wish we could do art EVERYDAY!” One of my favorite moments has been seeing the kids who struggle in other subjects suddenly understand and excel in art. I will be in Jamestown through May and will also be offering new art classes for adults. More about my work and myself can be found at: www.leruprecht.com.
Above: I Sing Sadder Songs Than Sarah McLachlan, Laura Ruprecht, Sgraffito Tile, 2016
upcoming classes providing opportunities for artistic development and exploration Creative opportunities for ALL
More details and registration online at: www.jamestownarts.com
Jewelry Making – Braid, knot & wrap with Tamra Kreideman Saturday, March 24 • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm • Hansen Arts Studio
Mystery Braiding: one piece of leather… a three-strand braid! Learn this fun technique, plus how to cut, stain and finish leather. Students will use many leather crafting techniques from cutting, dyeing/staining, and dozens of other cool tools and techniques. Learn how to make basic mini-macrame knots with stones or pearls for a one-of-a kind bracelet. I’ll teach you how to wrap leather and wax linen into a colorful and fun bracelet embellished with metal beads. Please bring a sack lunch.
Glass on Glass Mosaic Workshop with Laura Ruprecht Saturday, March 24 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Students will work with mosaic artist, Laura Ruprecht, on how to create a glass on glass mosaic. She will teach students how to cut different shapes out of glass, which are then adhered to a framed clear glass pane. Finally, students will learn how to finish off a mosaic by mixing and using grout. Bring a sack lunch.
Watercolor Garland & Brush Calligraphy with Anne Kaese Saturday, April 7 • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm • Hansen Arts Studio
Think of Spring—garlands and happy thoughts. In this mixed media class, you will work on the art of brush lettering using a brush pen and a paint brush, integrating pen and paint with different garland and border techniques that will add dimension and happiness to all your calligraphy projects. You will leave with a unique skill set that turns your words into beautiful art. Each student will take home a pen, lettering guide worksheets, sample sheets, and some practice pieces. Please bring a sack lunch.
Sgraffito Slab Tile with Laura Ruprecht Tuesday & Wednesday: April 17 & 18 • 6:00 – 8:30 pm • Hansen Arts Studio
The word sgraffito basically means to scratch and create an image. In ceramics, sgraffito is a technique of ornamentation in which a surface layer is carved to reveal a ground of contrasting color. Students will learn how to create a hanging tile by using slabs of a white clay body. Once the clay has dried to a leather-hard stage, we will paint a few layers of black underglaze to the surface of the clay and carve pictures to create a contrasting image.
Family Pottery with Bill Nybo Saturdays: April 21 & 28 • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm • Hansen Arts Studio
In this family class, working side-by-side with your child, learn basic pinch, coil, and slab hand-building ceramic techniques. Projects are designed to stimulate creativity in a playful way. Be sure to wear clothes you’re not afraid to get dirty. Includes all materials and kiln firing. Attendance at both sessions is necessary for a glazed finished piece.
exhibitions revolving gallery exhibitions every four to six weeks
IN THE ARTS CENTER GALLERY Animals with Attitude March 1 – April 7, 2018 From the pre-historic cave paintings in Lascaux Cave, France, to Franz Marc’s Large Blue Horses, countless artists have used animals as their subject matter. Sometimes the artist’s aim is representational—to capture the animal’s every detail in photographic reality, whereas other artists seek to capture the animal’s essence, through unique color, exaggerated perspective and context. It is this second group of artists, those who leave the conventions of reality behind, whose work comes alive in the exhibition, Animals with Attitude. Over the past few months, we’ve seen many animals in the gallery: Richard Martinson’s folksy horses, cows, and birds and Brad Bohl’s highly realistic wildlife paintings. In contrast, and drawing on the work of various artists, this mixed media exhibition features the work of artists who believe dogs can be blue and horses can be purple. They have captured each animal’s personality whether the subject is a beloved pet or wild bird. Two of The Arts Center’s resident artists have work in the exhibition, you’ll see Laura Ruprecht’s mosaic birds and handmade tiles and Linda Roesch’s expressively painted dogs. Drawing from private collections, there will be the work of Deborah Mae Broad whose animal etchings provide a window into an animal’s soul, while Doug Boyd’s humorous and quirky
Above: Queen B, Linda Roesch, acrylic on canvas, 2017 Front Cover: Mosaic Bird, Laura Ruprecht, glass on glass, mosaic, 2016 Next Page: Big Kiss, Karen Bakke, acrylic on canvas, 2014
mixed media work will make you laugh. Emily Williams-Wheeler and Karen Bakke’s paintings are bold and colorful, Bakke capturing the small details in various animal’s eyes and Wheeler’s the energetic interaction between animals.
Meet the Artist Luncheon An Animal Inspired Lunch with Laura Ruprecht Friday, March 16, 2018 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm Enjoy a homemade lunch for $5 or bring your own. Please RSVP by March 14 if you do want lunch. This exhibition should make you smile—a perfect show, not only for the sophisticated art lover, but anyone who loves animals—a visit to the gallery would be a perfect outing for the entire family.
ARTISTS OF ND—FREE ARTIST RESOURCE
The North Dakota Council on the Arts encourages all North Dakota artists to enter their information on this free online resource called “Artists of ND!” Artists of ND is a support team dedicated to building a thriving creative community in North Dakota by linking you with artists and resources. For more information visit: http://artistsofnd.com/FAQ.
upcoming events creative opportunities to break up your routine
Buffalo City Photo Club The local band of photo enthusiasts will be meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Hansen Arts Studio. Topics are focused primarily for DSLR camera users. March 20 - Portraits/Lifestyle Photos with Danielle Schmidt April 17 - Lighting with Searle Swedlund
Open Mic Night Thursdays, March 22 & April 26 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Poets, writers, musicians, comedians, solos, duos—all performers are welcome to share your talent with the community at our monthly open mic night. Limit your piece to 10 minutes. P.A. system, bass amp, guitar amp and music stands are provided. Facilitated by musician Steve Kuykendall.
Reader’s Theater Mondays, March 26 & April 23 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Do you enjoy the drama of theater, but don’t like the spotlight? Then Reader’s Theater is for you! Join this lively bunch for the dramatic reading of original scripts the fourth Monday of every month at in the Hansen Arts Studio. What is your favorite script? Feel free to suggest a good read. For more information, contact: Dina Laskowski at dlaskows@jc.edu or 701-269-9111
Wood carving with the local Woodchippers Our local group of wood carving aficionados, the Woodchippers, meets each Thursday of the month (except for Holiday weeks) from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Hansen Arts Studio. They love to share their knowledge. Any skill and interest level is welcome to participate. They may even be willing to lend you a chisel.
A full schedule of upcoming events can be found at: www.jamestownarts.com
the great white way
Join Us for Three “Enchanted Evenings” as we Survey American Musical Theater Some enchanted evening, you may see a stranger, You may see a stranger across a crowded room, And somehow you know, you know even then, That somehow you’ll see her again and again. ~ “Some Enchanted Evening” from South Pacific (Rodgers & Hammerstein) Can you think of anything more American than the musical? Where would our popular culture be without icons like Irving Berlin, George & Ira Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, or Stephen Sondheim? Or without musicals like South Pacific, West Side Story, A Chorus Line, The Producers, and many, many more! Musical theater is a uniquely American art form that has reflected, and shaped, our society for generations. But how did the Broadway show develop? What are the roots of this inimitably American form of art? The rapid growth of the youthful United Stated in the 19th Century saw the development of many forms of theatrical entertainment. Until the advent of motion pictures, reviews, burlesques, minstrel shows and vaudeville were the entertainment of choice for Americans. Almost every community in our country had a theater that hosted “live” entertainment by travelling artists well into the 20th Century. Join us for The Great White Way – American Musical Theater as we explore the genesis and history of our very own uniquely American art form. From its roots in American popular entertainment of the 19th Century, to the “Golden Age of Broadway,” to contemporary productions, The Great White Way is an entertaining, informative and fast-paced look at American Musical Theater and how it shaped our popular culture… and how our society has shaped it in turn. For three “enchanted evenings,” 2nd Street in Jamestown turns into the “Great White Way!” We can’t guarantee that you will “…see a stranger across a crowded room,” but we can promise lots of great music and fun with fellow lovers of musical theater!
The Great White Way Mondays: April 9, 16, & 23 at 5:30 pm
Register online at: www.jamestownarts.com or at The Arts Center office. $50 / $40 for Arts Center members
Building a more thoughtful, informed, and just world through lifelong learning.
Thomas Jefferson wine tasting & exploration Thomas Jefferson – Patriot, Polymath, & Wine Connoisseur Saturday, April 7 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at The Arts Center Thomas Jefferson was arguably the most complex—and interesting—of our founding fathers. Besides representing Virginia at the Continental Congress and authoring the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was Governor of Virginia, the Second Vice-President and the Third President of the United States. He also managed to find the time to master many disciplines, from surveying and mathematics to horticulture and mechanics. A man of searching intellect, curiosity and discerning taste, it isn’t surprising that he also undoubtedly was America’s first wine connoisseur! Jefferson considered fine wine indispensable, stating famously that, “Good wine is a necessity of life for me.” Prior to the revolution, he partnered with an Italian vintner and began planting vineyards at his Monticello estate. Unfortunately, most of the vines were destroyed by disease, and then the call of duty to our fledgling nation demanded all of his attention. However, after the war as America’s Minister to France, in 1785 he was able to finagle an official three-month tour of Southern France and Northern Italy, opening his eyes (and palate) to the finer side of wine. He was amazed at the centuries-old traditions of wine making found in Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhone and Piedmont regions, and the subtlety and complexity of the wines he tasted. Jefferson was among the first Americans to import wine to our country, and his discerning taste—coupled with his incredible insight—opened new vistas in the appreciation of fine wines and can truly give him a place as the founding father of wine connoisseurship in the United States! Join us at The Arts Center on Saturday, April 7th, as we celebrate the life of Thomas Jefferson and explore his interest in viniculture and wine. Participants will sample four wines, inspired by Jefferson’s personal preferences, the colonial period and his attempts at viniculture, paired with theme appropriate cheeses, all topped off with a sumptuous dessert. Our guide in this exploration is Sam Wai, who has taught wine courses for the past twenty-five years as well as leading wine tours to the Mediterranean. Jefferson was a patriot, a polymath, and a true gentleman with discriminating tastes. Join us on April 7th as we explore the wines that inspired one of the founding fathers of our great nation. Without Jefferson’s influence, we might all be drinking grog and singing “God Save the Queen!” Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Registration is required to secure your place. $45 / $35 for Arts Center members. Sign up online at: www.jamestownarts.com
BACK PORCH band
Friday, March 16th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at The Arts Center This group of local Jamestown favorites is headed back to The Arts Center stage for your musical enjoyment. Members John Crowston, Mark Urquhart and Kerry Wicks play a wide variety of acoustic music. With countless years of musical experience the group has been known to play everything from Celtic to country to the blues‌ Chris Stapleton to Tom Waits and James Taylor. All on a wide variety of instruments. Throw in a little of their onstage banter and a few comical bits and you have one very fun evening! Tickets are available at the door. $10 or $5 for Arts Center members. You can also purchase tickets online at: www.jamestownarts.com
Rock ‘n’ Roll Music & the Movies Classics of the Silver Screen Ends the Year on a Rockin’ Note To generations of Americans, rock ‘n’ roll music has been the soundtrack to their lives. From the first appearance of Elvis Presley through the post-grunge and nu-metal of the 2000’s, rock music has been the dominant force in popular culture for over 60 years. It made sense, then, to wrap up the 2017–18 Classics of the Silver Screen Series with films that immortalize the music that changed the world. The series opens with what director Rob Reiner calls a “mockumentary,” This is Spinal Tap (1984). A send-up of straight-faced documentary films on rock that proliferated throughout the 1970’s, This is Spinal Tap portrays the fictional British heavy metal band Spinal Tap and an American tour in support of their recently released album, Smell the Glove. Riotously funny, This is Spinal Tap manages to mock everything from pompous, self-important musicians, to the wild behavior of rock stars, to the onerous seriousness of contemporary rock documentaries. Next, we make a visit to Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1980), featuring the original, and best, punk rock band of all times, the Ramones! Directed by the “Pope of Pop Cinema,” Roger Corman, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School takes us to Vince Lombardi High, where the plot involves a rebellious rocker, a fascist principal, out of control students, and a concert by the Ramones. A true cult classic, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School is full of youthful high jinks, boisterous good fun, and of course, great rock music… not to mention an explosive finale! The 1960’s saw the birth of the multi-day rock festival. Monterey Pop (1968) documents the first of these festivals, 1967’s Monterey Pop Festival. 1967 was the “Summer of Love” in San Francisco, and saw psychedelic rock storm the music scene. Monterey Pop documents the birth of the “flower power” movement,
with the first major American performances of the Who (who smashed their guitars onstage), Jimi Hendrix (who, not to be outdone, famously burned his guitar), and Janis Joplin… not to mention performances by Jefferson Airplane, the Mamas & the Papas, Otis Redding and many, many more! A film that documents a very special moment in American Rock history, Monterey Pop is not only fascinating historically, but is full of incredible live performances. Finally, what retrospective of Rock films could leave out the Beatles? A Hard Days Night (1964) is not only a comic masterpiece, often mentioned among the top 100 movies of all time, but a look back at the absolute craziness of “Beatlemania.” Director Richard Lester captures the madcap lunacy that marked the Beatles arrival on the scene and paired it with their offbeat humor in a comedic tour-de-force that is a must see for all music lovers. The Classics of the Silver Screen series has seen slow, but steady, growth during 2017–18. We are incredibly happy to be able offer these classic movies to the community and hope to see you at one of our remaining movies this year!
JOIN US FOR THE CLASSICS OF THE SILVER SCREEN 2:00 pm at The Arts Center This is Spinal Tap – Saturday, March 10 Rock ‘n’ Roll High School – Saturday, March 24 Monterey Pop – Saturday, April 14 A Hard Day’s Night – Saturday, April 28
The Art of Poetry with ND Poet Laureate Larry Woiwode “How long has it been since I’ve spoken? I want to say that our hill is overlaid with snow, That its trees are, that spring is close, and that Love awoke in me and Love awoke.” ~ Larry Woiwode Poetry lies at the intersection of the arts—the written word, in strict meter and rhyme, reminiscent of the exacting rhythms and tones of music. Both true poetry and music require strict formal rules to impart logic, form, and ultimately meaning. Poetry can perhaps be best appreciated when read aloud, as the earliest poems, the epic poems Gilgamesh, the Iliad and the Odyssey undoubtedly were, orally preserved in rhyme and song and passed down from generation to generation as indescribably precious relics of their civilizations. We have come a long way from ancient times, but poetry still holds an important, and special, place in our culture. We are proud to present to our membership: Lunch with Larry Woiwode Tuesday, March 20th, 12:00 pm A special poetry workshop by North Dakota’s Poet Laureate. Larry will illustrate the differences between blank verse, free verse, and the myriad forms that poetry has taken over the centuries. This is an amazing opportunity to learn the intricacies of poetry from a master—not short cuts, cutting corners or being indulgent, but a professional poet’s advice on two poetic forms during the workshop, one simple and one more complex. Our special guest and instructor, Larry Woiwode, has had work appear in The New Yorker, Esquire, The Atlantic Monthly, Harpers, Gentleman’s Quarterly, The Partisan Review and the Paris Review. He is the author of five novels; two collections of short stories; a book of poetry, Even Tide; and his reviews and essays have appeared in dozens of publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post Book World. Larry has been North Dakota’s Poet Laureate since 1995 and is Writer in Residence at the University of Jamestown. Lunch is $7 or $5 for Arts Center members. Please RSVP to 701-251-2496 by March 16th.
GrowTH through Art! “Cole loves to make people laugh (a great attribute but one that sometimes gets him in trouble). We’re so grateful to the Arts Center for giving him an outlet for his creative and outgoing personality. He’s participated in two summer musicals for children and both were life-changing. They’ve built his confidence, improved his self-discipline, and cultivated his sense of humor. Cole’s only regret—he wants a longer speaking role! Cole loves performing for others and I’m grateful for the opportunity to hone his skills. Many, many thanks to the Arts Center!” ~ Katie Ryan-Anderson It has been wonderful for us at The Arts Center to watch children grow and stretch themselves during the summer theater program. During our production of Missoula Children’s Theater’s “The Frog Prince,” Cole was a big hit with the audience as the only goose in a crowd of ducks (pictured above). Katie, her husband Levi, and two sons Cole and Connor have been enjoying The Arts Center for several years as donors, members and attendees.
special specialthanks thanks business members: Bison 6 Cinema, Chamber of Commerce, Country Gardens Floral, Dental Specialists of Jamestown, Dr. Edward Anderson, DDS, Dr. Jason J. Braun, DDS, Gate City Bank, Germans From Russia Heritage Society, Hillerud Construction, Hugo’s Family Marketplace, Jetstream, Medicine Shoppe, Sabir’s Buffalo Grill, Schauer & Associates, Yoga Journey.
in memorial: Anonymous donor in honor of Galen Hoskin, Bonnie Tressler in honor of Anne Murchie special thanks to: All those who donated to help us reach our match on Giving Hearts Day. Our amazing gala committee Jennifer Amundson, Meghan & Jason Braun, Shawn & John Fugleberg, Michel & Jay Grotrian, Nicole & Jay Haut, Larry Kopp, Matt & Mollie Perkins. Lisa Lang of Happy Mermaid Images. Volunteers Sharon Vixo, Elsie Weber, Maris Thompson, Nadine Kainz, and Aloha Kercher for volunteering in the office. Jaci & Harley Trefz for art supply donation.
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PO Box 363, Jamestown, ND 58402 VOICE: 701-251-2496 EMAIL: info@jamestownarts.com WEB: www.jamestownarts.com BLOG: www.jamestownarts.com/blog INSTA: www.instagram.com/Jamestownarts TWEET: @GetInspiredND OFFICE: 115 2nd Street SW, Jamestown HOURS: Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm and Sat, 10 am – 2 pm
The Arts Center activities are supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Arts Center is participating in ArtsLab, a program of Arts Midwest.